Chapter 18

The next morning, the sky over Orario was bright with sunlight beginning to bathe the city. Shirou stood at the large gates of Twilight Manor, dressed casually. Beside him, Loki, the mischievous and cheerful goddess, was brimming with excitement. Her sharp eyes scanned the street in front of them, waiting for the members of her Familia who had just returned from a long expedition in the Dungeon.

The members of the Loki Familia began appearing in the distance, slowly emerging one by one. Some looked tired, but their faces showed satisfaction after a successful expedition. Shirou watched closely. He recognized a few familiar faces—Aiz Wallenstein, Tiona, Tione, and Finn, the captain, leading the group confidently. Among them, Lefiya looked exhausted, but there was a glimmer of pride in her eyes. Shirou knew how important this expedition had been for all of them.

Loki, who had been impatient, suddenly leapt forward with an overly excited expression. "You're back! I missed you all so much!" she shouted loudly, her eyes gleaming with joy. Without heeding the protests of the other Familia members, Loki spread her arms wide, ready to hug anyone standing in front of her.

However, the Loki Familia members, knowing their goddess's antics well, skillfully dodged. Aiz quickly sidestepped, Tiona and Tione stepped back a few paces, and Finn cleverly moved behind another adventurer. Loki rushed forward, hoping to catch someone, but she only embraced empty air as everyone managed to avoid her.

Lefiya, however, wasn't quick enough. She had just realized what was happening when Loki was already in front of her. Before she could react, Loki had grabbed her in a tight hug, laughing heartily. "Lefiya! You can't escape from me!" she cried, hugging the elf girl so tightly it seemed like she would never let go.

Lefiya froze, her face turning bright red. "L-Loki-sama...!" she protested, trying to free herself from the overly enthusiastic goddess's grip. But Loki only laughed harder, showing no intention of letting go.

"Why are you embarrassed, Lefiya?" Loki teased, gently patting Lefiya's cheek with a playful grin. "You just keep getting cuter!"

The other members laughed at the scene, while Lefiya blushed even more, clearly embarrassed by the unwanted attention. Finally, after a few moments, Loki released her with a satisfied smile, patting Lefiya's shoulder as she looked flustered.

Shirou, watching from nearby, couldn't help but smile. These warm, lighthearted moments showed just how close Loki was to her Familia members, despite her eccentric behavior. Though Loki could be annoying at times, she truly cared about all of them.

After Loki released Lefiya, the other Familia members gathered around the gate to report the results of their expedition to the goddess. Loki listened intently, occasionally making jokes or comments, while Shirou stood by her side, feeling a strange warmth from the colorful, familial dynamic. Deep down, he felt a bit relieved that their return meant he was no longer alone in Twilight Manor and that he could now ask more about their experiences in the Dungeon.

Following the warm and cheerful moment at the gates of Twilight Manor, the Loki Familia began to gather to report on their expedition results. The atmosphere was lively and enthusiastic, but this time, there was something different in their tone. Shirou, standing not far from Loki, listened more carefully. He realized there was something important and serious about this expedition that had caught everyone's attention.

Finn Deimne, the captain of the Loki Familia, stood in front of the assembled members. His sharp eyes showed concern, though he tried to hide it. "During this expedition," he said firmly, "we encountered something unusual—a new type of monster we've never seen before. We've named it 'Virga.'"

Shirou, listening intently, felt a surge of curiosity. Virga? The name sounded strange and unfamiliar to him. He noticed how the other Familia members reacted differently—some appeared worried, while others frowned as if recalling their battles with the monster.

Finn continued his explanation, "The Virga looks like a large caterpillar, but don't be fooled by its appearance. They shoot a powerful acid capable of melting any metal it touches. Even our weapons and armor couldn't withstand it for long if they came into contact with the acid."

A low murmur spread through the group. Acid that could melt metal was a significant threat, especially for adventurers who relied on their gear for survival in the Dungeon. Shirou felt a chill run down his spine as he imagined how dangerous a monster like that could be.

Finn then added with a more serious tone, "Even worse, when the Virga dies, its body explodes. The explosion is not only dangerous to anyone nearby but also spreads acid over a wider area. So, even if we manage to defeat them, the threat from the explosion remains."

Shirou swallowed hard. This was an entirely new challenge for him. He recalled how important it was to consider tactics and strategies in battle, especially when facing monsters with abilities like this. The Virga wasn't just physically strong; it was also cunning in how it used its attacks.

But what Finn said next truly grabbed everyone's attention. "We also noticed," he said, lowering his voice slightly, "that these Virga don't just attack us—they also attack other monsters around them. They consume the Magic Stones from the other monsters as if they were a source of power."

The atmosphere grew tense. Monsters attacking other monsters to take their Magic Stones? This was something completely out of the ordinary. Normally, monsters in the Dungeon only attacked adventurers or other creatures as part of their survival instincts, but consuming Magic Stones was something new and alarming.

Shirou pondered the implications of this discovery. If monsters like the Virga continued to evolve and consume Magic Stones from other monsters, they could grow stronger and harder to control. The Dungeon itself could become more dangerous than ever, especially for beginner adventurers like himself.

Loki, who had been listening carefully the entire time, finally spoke up. "This is something we need to report to the Guild immediately. They need to know about this threat, and we may need to devise new strategies if we plan to return to the floors where they appear."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Even Aiz, usually calm and composed, seemed to be seriously thinking about something. Shirou could sense how important this issue was to the Loki Familia. It wasn't just about facing a new monster; it was about considering their safety and how they could protect other adventurers as well.

As the conversation continued, Shirou felt that he had learned a lot just by listening to them. Even though he hadn't been part of the expedition, the experience and information they shared were valuable. It made him more aware of the dangers lurking in the Dungeon and how essential it was to always be prepared for whatever lay ahead.

In his mind, Shirou resolved to keep improving his abilities. He knew that one day, he too would face monsters like the Virga. And when that time came, he had to be ready—not just to survive, but to protect the people who mattered to him.

Inside Twilight Manor, the atmosphere gradually relaxed after all the Loki Familia members returned from the expedition. Those with higher levels—Aiz, Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione—were allowed to rest and clean up first. They quickly headed to the bath area, chatting lightly about what had happened during the expedition. Laughter and conversation echoed down the halls, creating a lighter mood after the tension of the Dungeon.

Shirou, feeling not too tired yet, took this opportunity to prepare lunch. He walked to the kitchen, opened the pantry, and checked the ingredients available. As he began chopping vegetables and preparing meat, his thoughts lingered on the conversation about the new monster, Virga. The thought of the monster still weighed on his mind. "If I had to face them, what strategy would I use?" he wondered.

His hands moved quickly and skillfully, cutting and preparing the food. Though his mind was busy, his movements were precise. Over the past few weeks at Twilight Manor, Shirou had learned a lot about the tastes and preferences of the Familia members. He knew that after a long expedition, they would want delicious and nutritious food to replenish their energy. Shirou chose to cook roasted meat with fresh vegetables, accompanied by a thick, hearty soup. The aroma of the food began to fill the room, catching the attention of several Familia members who were resting.

While Shirou was busy preparing the meal, some of the other Familia members took care of their gear and weapons, cleaning and repairing them for future use. Many of them continued discussing their experiences in the Dungeon, particularly about the new monster, Virga. They talked about the monster's fast regeneration and aggressive nature, as well as how dangerous its acid was, capable of melting metal.

Once the meal was ready, Shirou began serving it on the large dining table. One by one, the Familia members who had finished cleaning up and resting began to arrive, drawn by the delicious smell of the food. Lefiya, looking a bit more cheerful after her bath, smiled as she saw Shirou serving the meal. "Thank you, Shirou," she said sincerely. Shirou nodded with a smile, happy to help.

Shortly after, Loki appeared with a wide grin, her face full of enthusiasm as usual. "Alright, everyone!" she called out, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "Now it's time for a status update! We'll be doing it one by one. This time, we'll start with ten people. So, who's going first?"

The atmosphere instantly became lively. All the Familia members looked excited, especially since they knew their status would reveal how much progress they had made after the long expedition. As usual, Aiz moved quickly and efficiently. She stood up and raised her hand. "I'll go first," she said in a calm yet firm voice. No one was surprised by Aiz's initiative; as one of the strongest adventurers in Loki Familia, she was always eager to see the improvements she had made.

Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione, who had just finished eating, followed Aiz towards Loki's room with eager expressions. They were eager to find out the results of their training and battles during the expedition.

However, in the corner of the room, Shirou felt a bit anxious. He knew that if he updated his status now, Loki might immediately notice something unusual. Shirou had explored the Dungeon deeper than he was supposed to, and a sudden increase in his status might raise questions. He wasn't ready to face that kind of suspicion, especially from a goddess like Loki, who was known for being sharp and hard to deceive.

Shirou decided to step back and observe the situation first. "I… won't update my status this time," he said slowly, trying to act as casually as possible. "I'll wait for the others to go first." Loki gave him a curious look but eventually shrugged, not too concerned. "Alright, if that's what you want, Shirou. But I expect to see bigger progress from you next time!"

Shirou smiled, trying to hide his nervousness. "Of course, Loki. I'll make sure of it," he replied. Inside, he felt relieved to have avoided the questions that might have come if he had updated his status right then.

Aiz entered Loki's room with steady steps, followed by the others. Shirou remained in the dining room, watching them with a faint smile. He knew this wasn't the right time to reveal all his secrets. Instead, he would use this time to continue improving his abilities in a more cautious way. As he watched the Familia members prepare to update their statuses, Shirou thought deeply about his next steps. He knew many challenges awaited him in the future, and he needed to be more prepared than ever.

That evening, the atmosphere in Twilight Manor's garden was calm and peaceful. A soft breeze swept through, rustling the leaves gently around them. The moonlight reflected on the surface of a small fountain in the center of the garden, casting shimmering shadows on the grass. Shirou and Lefiya sat on one of the garden benches, quietly enjoying the tranquility of the night. This setting was such a contrast to the chaos and dangers they faced in the Dungeon.

Shirou, with a calm gaze, looked at Lefiya, who seemed a bit tired but still full of energy. They had just finished dinner, and it seemed Lefiya wanted to spend more time with Shirou to talk about their experiences. Shirou still felt hesitant to fully reveal his secrets. He knew that Lefiya was kind-hearted and sincere, but too much was at stake if he revealed too much.

To start the conversation, Shirou decided to talk about safer, simpler experiences in the Dungeon. "I've been exploring some of the earlier floors in the Dungeon recently," he said calmly. "Honestly, those floors are pretty easy for me. The challenges aren't too tough, although I did have a few interesting moments. But I guess, it's not much compared to what you all experienced during the expedition."

Lefiya turned to him with curiosity, her face brightened a little by Shirou's story. "Really? What was it like exploring those early floors?" she asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Shirou smiled and then continued with light stories about how he dealt with small monsters like Goblins and Kobolds, and how he managed to avoid basic traps on the earlier floors. He also mentioned Loki, how the goddess often went out drinking while the Familia members were on expeditions.

Lefiya chuckled softly at the stories about Loki. "Yeah, I've heard about Loki's habits like that," she said with a smile. "She's different from other goddesses… maybe that's what keeps us all drawn to her. Though sometimes, she can be quite a handful."

Shirou chuckled, nodding in agreement. "True, but she always has her way of showing she cares for her Familia," Shirou replied. He felt a bit relieved that Lefiya seemed to enjoy his stories. He knew this was a safe way to share without revealing too much.

After a moment, Lefiya shifted in her seat and started talking about their recent expedition. "I really wish I could have helped more," she said with a more serious tone. "My idol, Aiz… She's so strong and amazing. I always hope to become strong enough to stand by her side, to be able to help more in every battle."

Shirou listened attentively, watching how Lefiya's eyes shone with passion when she mentioned Aiz's name. Lefiya continued, "During this expedition, I tried my best. There were moments when I could use my magic to protect others or provide support to Aiz with my spells. They were small moments, but I was happy to do something."

Shirou nodded, admiring Lefiya's determination. "You must have worked really hard," he said sincerely. "Aiz is very lucky to have someone like you by her side."

Lefiya blushed slightly, but there was a hint of pride in her expression. "But there was one moment that made me feel powerless," she continued with a more somber tone. "The floor boss in the lower levels was a new kind we'd never encountered before—Virga. It's like a giant caterpillar that spits acid strong enough to melt metal. It was terrifying. Our weapons started breaking one by one."

Lefiya paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Finn, our captain, decided to let Aiz fight the boss alone. We were all ordered to stay back because Aiz's weapon was the only one unaffected by the acid. It was nerve-wracking, watching her fight the monster alone. I wanted to help… but I knew I'd only be a burden if I disobeyed Finn's orders."

Shirou nodded, understanding the weight of Lefiya's emotions. "I can understand how you feel," he said softly. "It's hard to just stand by and not be able to help, especially when someone you admire is in danger."

Lefiya nodded, her face deep in thought. "Yes, that's true… but I know it's also part of our duty. I have to learn to trust Aiz and our captain's decisions. Still, I hope that one day, I can become strong enough to stand by her side—not just as a follower, but as someone she can rely on."

Shirou smiled at those words, seeing the strong resolve in Lefiya's eyes. "You're already on the right path," he said. "And I'm sure, with your determination and hard work, you'll become someone Aiz and the others can depend on."

Lefiya smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Shirou. Your words mean a lot to me," she said softly. The two of them sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the peaceful night in the garden, sharing stories and understanding. Shirou felt a little more at ease, knowing that even though he couldn't share everything, he had found a friend who understood the journey and struggles he had to face.

The next morning, the sunlight streamed through the large windows of Twilight Manor, waking up all the members of the Loki Familia who had rested after their long expedition. The hustle and bustle of preparation could be heard throughout the manor; adventurers were tidying up their gear while others carried large bags filled with drop items from the expedition. The atmosphere in the mansion was full of energy and excitement, signaling that today was the time to reap the rewards of their hard work in the Dungeon.

Shirou stood at the edge of the manor's courtyard, watching as everyone gathered in an orderly manner. The Loki Familia, renowned as one of the strongest familias in Orario, was not only known for their combat prowess but also for their efficiency in gathering and utilizing resources. Shirou felt a bit of admiration for how organized they were.

Once everything was ready, the large group moved toward the trading district in the center of the city. The morning streets were bustling with activity; merchants were opening their stalls, selling all kinds of goods and supplies needed by adventurers. The sounds of bargaining filled the air, and the aroma of food being grilled over wood stoves wafted through the streets.

Upon arriving at the trading district, the Loki Familia headed straight to the place where they would sell their drop items. Shirou followed from behind, observing the many large bags filled with drop items and magic stones that they carried. They had everything—from monster hides that could be turned into armor, rare materials with high value, to magic stones that glowed dimly inside thick cloth sacks.

When they arrived at the Guild, where all the magic stones would be sold, Shirou saw a small team from the Loki Familia, made up of more experienced members, already coordinating with the Guild staff. Finn, the captain of the Loki Familia, led the group with his usual calm demeanor, ensuring that everything went according to plan. The Guild staff seemed eager, welcoming them with broad smiles—not surprising, given that the Guild would receive a commission from each transaction.

Shirou watched as the Loki Familia skillfully handled the sales process. One by one, large bags of magic stones were brought out, carefully inspected by the Guild staff, and quickly counted. The light from the magic stones gave off a bluish-purple glow, reflecting off the marble floor of the Guild, creating a mesmerizing scene. Shirou couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer amount of resources they had gathered.

He then thought about his own efforts so far, how he had painstakingly gathered drop items in the dungeon by himself. The comparison was stark. Shirou had only a few small bags of drop items and magic stones, far less than the piles carried by the Loki Familia. However, he didn't feel disheartened. Instead, it motivated him to keep working hard and improving.

Once the sale of the magic stones at the Guild was complete, the Loki Familia moved on to other trading areas to sell various specialized drop items, such as monster materials that could be used to craft weapons or special armor. They stopped at several different stalls, negotiating with merchants who were already eagerly awaiting their arrival. Some of the merchants even seemed excited and slightly competitive to acquire the goods they brought, signaling how valuable the expedition's results were.

Shirou observed how the Loki Familia members expertly negotiated. Some, like Tiona and Tione, appeared to have extensive experience in assessing the quality of goods and didn't hesitate to speak up with the merchants to get the best prices. On the other hand, Aiz and Lefiya, who were more reserved, mostly watched and learned from their seniors. Loki herself, with a mischievous smile on her face, occasionally teased the merchants to raise the prices, making the atmosphere livelier and more jovial.

As the transactions continued, Shirou realized how much knowledge could be learned from this moment. He noticed how they interacted with merchants, how they assessed the quality of the goods, and how they knew when to accept or reject offers. Every step seemed well thought out, showing that being a successful adventurer wasn't just about combat strength but also about intelligence and negotiation skills.

After everything was done, the Loki Familia members seemed satisfied with the results they had obtained. Finn signaled to the others to gather and prepare to return to Twilight Manor. Shirou, still standing on the sidelines, watched everything closely. He felt inspired and determined to improve, not only in combat but also in his understanding of the Dungeon and the world around him.

As they made their way back to the manor, Shirou reflected on everything he had seen today. He knew the road to becoming a powerful and influential adventurer was still long, but he was ready to face every challenge. He understood that every step, no matter how small, would bring him closer to his goal. With renewed determination, he prepared for the next adventure, resolved not only to survive but also to thrive in this world full of danger and opportunity.

The lively atmosphere at the Hostess of Fertility suddenly turned tense when Bete, heavily drunk, began bringing up an incident that seemed to have been troubling Aiz for a long time. Staggering and with slightly glazed eyes, Bete brought up a topic that suddenly made the cheerful party feel awkward.

Bete, with a loud and slurred voice, began recounting a story that gradually caught the attention of the group. "Hey, remember when Aiz saved that rookie adventurer from the minotaur? The one with the white hair…" Bete laughed cynically, as if he had just remembered something hilarious.

Aiz, sitting in the corner of the table, suddenly tensed up. Her usually calm face grew somber, and she turned away as if trying to avoid the conversation. She quickly refused to discuss it further, not wanting to embarrass the young man any more. "Bete, please stop," Aiz requested with a slightly cold tone.

However, in his drunken state, Bete continued with his mocking tone. "Aiz, do you remember how ridiculous that kid looked? The minotaur cornered him, and he got covered in blood like a smashed tomato. He really looked pathetic!" Bete laughed again, and some of the members of Loki Familia chuckled at the story.

Aiz grew increasingly uneasy. Even though she knew Bete was only joking, she couldn't ignore the humiliation the boy must have felt. "Bete, enough," Aiz sighed, trying to suppress her emotions. "He… he was just a beginner. We shouldn't talk about him like this."

But Bete didn't stop there. "Oh, Aiz, don't take it so seriously. Besides, I bet you've already forgotten how funny it was when he ran away from you after being saved. The entire Loki Familia was laughing at how someone could run away from a girl as sweet as you!"

Aiz became even more withdrawn, looking like she wanted to hide her face in her hands, clearly uncomfortable with Bete's excessive teasing. Yet, Bete, in his drunken state, didn't seem satisfied. "But hey, Aiz! If you had to choose between me or that weak kid in terms of romance, who would you pick?"

Aiz immediately rejected the idea, her face turning red, clearly anxious. "Of course, I—"

Before Aiz could finish, Bete interrupted her with a loud laugh. "But what if that kid really likes you? Would you accept his love?" Bete asked with a curious look that wasn't entirely clear due to the alcohol.

Aiz fell silent, clearly caught in a dilemma she had never considered before. She couldn't find the words to respond to the sudden and meaningful question. Meanwhile, behind the counter, Bell Cranel, the white-haired boy they were talking about, happened to overhear the conversation. His face turned red with embarrassment and disappointment. Bell, still unnoticed by the members of Loki Familia, felt torn between shame and sorrow.

Upon hearing that Aiz could never accept his love, a deep sense of disappointment overwhelmed him. With a heavy heart, Bell decided to leave immediately. He ran out of the tavern, heading toward the Dungeon, without looking back, wanting to escape the extremely humiliating situation.

Aiz, suddenly realizing Bell's departure, quickly stood up and considered chasing after him. But she hesitated, knowing that in such an emotional state, she might only worsen Bell's hurt and be unable to provide the support he needed. Guilt and helplessness filled her as she watched Bell disappear into the night.

Loki, who had been watching everything from across the room, seemed confused and a little surprised by the sudden change in atmosphere. "What just happened?" she asked Finn and Riveria, who also appeared to be unsure about the situation that had just unfolded.

Outside the tavern, Bell kept running through the night, ignoring his fatigue and heartache. He felt frustrated and weak from a situation that made him feel incredibly inferior. Bell wanted to return to the Dungeon in this state, forcing himself to become stronger so that he could stand beside Aiz.

Back at Twilight Manor that night, the atmosphere was peaceful after the earlier party at the Hostess of Fertility. Members of the Loki Familia, still looking tired from their expedition, were now enjoying their moments of rest. Some gathered in the lounge for casual conversations, while others headed to their rooms.

In one corner of the lounge, Aiz Wallenstein, still looking a little downcast, sat staring out the window. Though her sweet smile was always a charm to many, today there was a hint of tension in her expression. Shirou, who had just finished some tasks, approached Aiz out of curiosity.

"Aiz, you seem a bit troubled. What's going on?" Shirou asked gently, not wanting to miss the chance to offer his support.

Aiz glanced at Shirou, her eyes showing a bit of anxiety. "Oh, Shirou. Actually, I… I just feel a little confused about what happened last night. Maybe I'm worrying too much about things that aren't important."

Shirou, sensing that Aiz might be reflecting on the events of the night, tried to lighten the mood. "Maybe you just need some time to yourself. But I'm curious—are you afraid or bothered by something?"

Aiz was slightly taken aback by Shirou's question. "Actually… I've been wondering if I come across as scary to others. Maybe Bell was scared because he saw me in such a tense situation."

Shirou smiled softly, trying to give a reassuring answer. "I don't think a girl as beautiful as Aiz could ever seem scary to me. You always have this calm and elegant aura, even in the most intense situations."

Aiz felt a bit comforted by the compliment, though a hint of doubt lingered in her heart. "You've never seen me fight. Maybe you don't know how intense I can get when facing monsters."

Shirou looked at Aiz with confidence. "I'm sure that when you fight, Aiz, you look incredibly brave and impressive. In fact, I'd bet you look even more beautiful when you're in battle. There's something captivating about seeing someone so focused and determined to reach their goal."

Aiz was surprised by the praise, and her face turned slightly red. Shirou's words left her a bit flustered, and she felt a little awkward. "S-Seriously? You really think that?"

Shirou nodded seriously. "Of course. How could someone with as much spirit and dedication as you not become even more captivating when fighting?"

Aiz was silent for a moment, processing Shirou's words. Though she wasn't entirely confident in herself, Shirou's compliment gave her a slight boost in self-esteem. "Well… if you really think so, I… I'll wait for the chance to fight alongside you someday. Maybe you'll see for yourself how I fight."

Shirou smiled wider, pleased to see Aiz starting to feel better. "I look forward to it with excitement. I'm sure it'll be an amazing experience."

Aiz, her face still a bit flushed from the praise and slight awkwardness, finally returned Shirou's smile. "Thank you, Shirou. That really means a lot to me."

The two sat together for a while, enjoying the peaceful moment amidst their busy lives. The atmosphere, once filled with worry and doubt, gradually lightened, and they both felt a little more ready for the days ahead.

As the night wore on, members of the Loki Familia gradually gathered to rest, leaving Aiz and Shirou still conversing with enthusiasm in the Twilight Manor's lounge. Shirou felt satisfied to have lifted Aiz's spirits, while Aiz felt a bit more at ease and ready to face the challenges to come.

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